DP World, the world’s fourth-largest marine terminal operator, today announced support for two major Aden-based community initiatives, the Ras Morbat Clinic and Training Centre. The two projects are already creating critical medical capacity in a city without enough doctors, and helping match skills to available jobs on the local economy. Further support comes from DP World IT services supplier Dimension Data and Forbes Lux FZE, manufacturer of water filtration and purification systems

DP World’s contribution to the Ras Morbat Clinic includes underwriting two, two-year training programmes for staff doctors in the area of paediatrics and ophthalmology at the University of Aden, with supplementary four-week annual training at Oasis Hospital in UAE. Additional DP World funding goes towards construction and operation of the Ras Morbat Institute, training local residents in advanced woodwork and carpentry, along with the skills to run their own businesses. While port activity contributes heavily to Aden’s economy, there remains significant economic hardship in this port city of 600,000 residents.

Mohammed Sharaf, Chief Executive Officer, DP World said: “The partnership between Ras Morbat staff, DP World employees and suppliers, and Yemeni and UAE medical institutions brings together a wide range of local and international resources and incorporates training and financing mechanisms to make sure the programme will continue well beyond the initial funding. This partnership approach and focus on creating sustainable community initiatives is part of our commitment to the communities in which operate.”

Arif Bin Adhed, Managing Director - DP World Aden, said: “DP World congratulates Ras Morbat Clinic and Vocational Training Centre for its long and deep record of service to the local community. DP World Aden looks forward to a long and fruitful collaboration.”

Ras Morbat Clinic has been providing medical care to needy people in Aden since 1996. More than 8,000 people are currently registered to receive free medical care at the clinic, which offers basic health services, prenatal care, a vaccination programme and an extensive family practice. Responding to the need for eye care, Ras Morbat Centre opened a separate eye clinic in 1998. The clinic has since overseen more than 60,000 eye consultations and performed more than 6,000 operations.

Support for the Ras Morbat Clinic and Institute is part of DP World’s Responsible Business Programme, facilitating projects globally under four themes: ‘Developing Port Communities’ (job creation), Vocational Training, Transportation Safety, and ‘Moving Lives’, which addresses basic human needs, with a particular emphasis on access to clean water and medical care. DP World seeks to go “beyond philanthropy” to create initiatives that have the potential to be self-sustaining, involve DP World employees, and cement partnerships with a range of local and international organisations. DP World is continually looking for committed partners to effect its community and environmental initiatives globally.